Ancient Greek civilization is famed
today for
their many philosophical and political
achievements. However, nothing is more
immediate and impressive as their art.
Through
examples such as this, the golden age of
Athens
becomes tangible and eternal. Looking
at this
exquisite vessel, we are transported to
the height
of Classical Antiquity where life and
art were
homogenous. This hydria exemplifies the
spirit
of Athens through its symphony of
graceful,
flowing movement. As one admires the
charming scene adorning the body of this
vessel,
we forget that its original use was a
water jug.
This scene serves as a window through
time,
sharing with us a special glimpse of
daily life in
Athens during the 5th Century B.C.
We stand witness in front of a lady
standing
before a chair and holding a thyrsos in
her left
hand and garland in her right. Opposite
to her
stands another lady offering an
overflowing
alabastron, a sash in the field. As the
centerpiece of this extraordinary
example of
Attic vases, these ladies are framed
within a band
of black dots below and a band of ovolo
kymation above. Although the Parthenon
may
stand in ruins today, when we hold this
Attic
Hydria in our hands, we can envision the
past
and the glories of Ancient Greece alive
and
vibrant again.
- (PF.5776)
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